The Sigma fp has no native RAW format,
so it outputs DNG files. These were
around 30MB apiece, while shooting
on JPEG gave us 8MB files. Paired with
the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 and the Sigma
85mm f/1.4, the fp gave wonderfully sharp
image results – pleasingly crisp and clear.
We were very impressed by the dynamic
range, too. Shooting in high-contrast
scenes, the camera held detail in the
highlights and the shadows remarkably
well, giving us plenty of latitude to bring
back detail in post-processing in even
the most challenging of lighting. Another
positive aspect to note was the tonality
present in the images, giving a true
representation of tones throughout
our images, straight out of the camera.
What’s all
th e latitude?
IMAGE
QUALITY
are available too. For shooting
in low light, the ISO range
stretches from 100-25,600,
with an expanded range
of +2EV taking it up to ISO
102,400. To keep the camera
as small as it is, there’s no
built-in viewfinder, so all
composition takes place on
the 2,100k-dot TFT LCD
Live View screen.
Handling & build
Housed in a lightweight
aluminium frame and
measuring just 113×70×45mm,
the Sigma fp is simply tiny,
weighing in at just 370g
without battery. The inclusion
of this metal frame not only
helps with the massive heat
sink it uses to keep cool in lieu
of a fan, but also helps to make
the camera feel robust and
capable. Additionally, you
can use it confidently in the
knowledge that it has dustand
splash seals on 42 points across
the bodywork.
Given the dimensions ithas
to work with, it uses the space
very efficiently with mostof
the features you’d want to
change in the field no more
than a click and a toggle away.
That said, the back does feel
a little cramped, and it was
al l too easy to accidentally
knock the D-pad and dialto
change the settings while
holding the camera. There is
a larger grip attachment
available separately for around
£60, which should mitigate
this problem. Moving up to
the top-plate, the dials and
switches are all very tactile
and pleasing to toggle.
Performance
We got our hands on an early
pre-release model, running
firmware version V1.00.0,
so we can only give initial
impressions, and actual
performance may be subject
to change. You’d think that
inevitability would dictate that
packing so much functionality
into such a small package must
have its drawbacks, but there
seem to be relatively few here.
The AF system is fast and
responsive, despite the
contrast-only autofocus system
it uses. It locks on quickly and
accurately with minimal fuss.
While it would be nice to have
more AF points to play with,
it really didn’t feel like too
much of a drawback in action.
Verdict
Undoubtedly an excellent
camera from Sigma, the small
si ze and customisability of
the fp’s body make it a versatile
addition to the Premier League
of mirrorless cameras. For the
price tag of £2399 for body
and lens kit, we’d like to see
some higher specs, but in our
hands-on preview we couldn’t
fault the performance. All that
remains is to put it through its
paces for a more thorough test.
AboveBeinga partof the
L- mountalliancemeansany
suchlensesfromSigma,Leica
and Panasonic will fit.
Anelectronicshutterworksmuchlikea mechanicalshutter.
In steadof thephysicalrearandfrontcurtainsof a mechanical
shutteryou geta sensorthatturns‘on’andthen‘off’to create
th e durationof yourexposure.Thismeansthere’sno physical
shuttermoving,andthereforeno chanceof gettingvibrations
fr omthisblurringyourimage.It alsosaveson spacewithin
th e camera,allowingforsmallerbodysizes.Mostimportantly,
it operatessilently– idealforweddingandwildlifephotography.
It doeshavedrawbacks,though.Thesensorswitchesoff the
ex posureby reading-outthedata.Dueto thespeedat which
th e processorcanread-outtheimagedata,you’relimitedto
a muchslowerflashsyncspeed.
Tech Focus What is an electronic shutter?
PRACTICALPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 125
FIRST LOOK
